Mesembrine is an alkaloid present in Sceletium tortuosum (kanna). It has been shown to act as a serotonin reuptake inhibitor, and more recently, has also been found to behave as a weak inhibitor of the enzyme phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) . Mesembrine is a chemical compound found in the kanna plant, also known as Sceletium tortuosum. This chemical is believed to have mood-altering effects and may have antidepressant properties. No published studies discuss the effects of mesembrine on humans, but preliminary studies suggest that it is a serotonin re-uptake inhibitor, a type of drug that prevents serotonin from being absorbed out of the blood stream. A number of drugs that are currently used as antidepressants have this same effect on blood chemistry. If studies show that mesembrine is more effective than other drugs like it, or if they show that it has fewer side effects, it may continue to undergo scientific testing.
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